The interpretation or translation of this play indeed brings the characters closer to life compared to the original.

However, it should be noted that this doesn't necessarily mean it is superior to the original translations.

In this particular version, Philoctetes is portrayed as an even bigger annoyance than in the original. His flaws and idiosyncrasies are exaggerated, making him a more complex and perhaps less likable character.

Neoptolemus, on the other hand, comes across as old-fashioned with ideals that seem outdated in the context of the play. His rigid beliefs and traditional values set him apart from the other characters.

Finally, Odysseus is presented as the representative of the "new" man. He embodies the qualities that are necessary to succeed in the "new" world, such as cunning, adaptability, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

This new interpretation of the characters adds a fresh perspective to the play and allows for a deeper exploration of their personalities and motives.

This is Heaney's concept of what Philoctetes ought to be like.

Heaney has his own unique vision for this work.

It seems that he has a particular image in his mind of how the story and the characters should unfold.

Once I take the time to reread the Grene translation, and perhaps even consult the original Greek,

I will then be in a better position to thoroughly review this.

This process of rereading and consulting different sources will likely give me a more comprehensive understanding of Heaney's idea.

I will be able to analyze the details and nuances that he may have intended.

It will be an interesting exploration to see how Heaney's concept aligns or differs from other interpretations.

Overall, this project holds the potential to deepen my appreciation and knowledge of both Philoctetes and Heaney's work.

Heaney makes an important point when he states that this isn't truly a translation of Philoctetes, but rather a version.

This is indeed accurate as it doesn't adhere to a close, literal translation. The outcome is a more unassuming and crafty Odysseus.

And a more perceptive Neoptolemus.

Moreover, as if it were even conceivable, a more embittered Philoctetes.

In Heaney's work, you can almost detect the stench of the wound.

His interpretation brings a new dimension to the characters and the story, allowing readers to experience it in a different light.

It shows that there are multiple ways to approach a classic text and that each version can offer unique insights and perspectives.

Heaney's work challenges us to think beyond the traditional translation and explore the possibilities of reimagining a familiar story.

Heaney's poetry is truly brilliant. It has a unique charm and power that captivates readers. His version of Sophocles' play is not only a translation but also a profound reinterpretation that makes it a parable for our age. In his hands, the ancient story takes on new life and meaning, speaking directly to the concerns and experiences of modern people. Heaney's use of language is masterful, with rich imagery and vivid descriptions that bring the characters and events to life. His poetry also explores themes such as fate, morality, and the human condition, making it both thought-provoking and deeply moving. Overall, Heaney's work is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to connect us with the past while also addressing the present.

Seamus Heaney's funeral was televised live in Ireland. This vividly showcases how prominent he was not only in his native land but also throughout the world.

His adaptation of Sophocles' play masterfully captures the intense tension between personal morality and public duty. This tension remains as dominant today as it was in 500 BC. Heaney skillfully demonstrates how this ethical dilemma pervades our own times, not just in Ireland but across our often divided world.

However, Seamus powerfully asserts that there are moments when "hope and history rhyme."

Human beings endure suffering. They torture one another, become hurt and hardened. No poem, play, or song can fully right a wrong that has been inflicted and endured.

The innocent in jails beat on their bars together. A hunger-striker's father stands dumb in the graveyard. The police widow in veils faints at the funeral home.

History warns, "Don't hope on this side of the grave." But then, once in a lifetime, the longed-for tidal wave of justice can surge up, and hope and history rhyme.

So hope for a great sea-change on the far side of revenge. Believe that a further shore is reachable from here. Believe in miracles, cures, and healing wells.

Call miracle self-healing: the utter, self-revealing double-take of feeling. If there's fire on the mountain or lightning and storm, and a god speaks from the sky, that means someone is hearing the outcry and the birth-cry of new life at its term.

What a truly marvelous exploration of hurt, injury, anger, and forgiveness this is!

If you have the opportunity and desire a distinct perspective on how we can transition from past and present injustices to strive for a better future, you might very well want to read this play.

Of course, considering his experience of growing up in Ulster and living through the extensive history of the Troubles, it is evident that this play holds great significance for Northern Ireland as it marked the initial small steps towards the peace process.

The plea of the chorus for the potential to open up to the possible moments of healing, that rare instance when "hope and history rhyme," is particularly captivating and engaging. It makes one reflect deeply on the power of forgiveness and the possibility of a more harmonious future.

This play seems to offer a profound and thought-provoking look into the human condition and the journey towards reconciliation.

The Cure at Troy is Seamus Heaney's remarkable interpretive translation of Sophocles' tragedy Philoctetes. This translation delves into the intricate ploy of bringing the once-abandoned, wounded archer and his powerful bow to ultimately flatten Troy.

Heaney's handling of the text is somewhat similar to Anne Carson's Antigonick. He employs a simplified and "edgier" language, which is generally faithful to the original but not an exact replica. Heaney also adds some of his own creative touches.

Ordinarily, I am not overly fond of this approach. However, the poetic value and the profound understanding of the dramatic accents within the play make it an extremely compelling read. It is highly appropriate for both the modern reader and the modern stage.

While I don't believe that every alteration was for the better, and there is some gratuitous melodrama in the prologue (ugh, why?) and the "epilogue", overall, I am not disappointed. In fact, I am quite content with it.

All in all, The Cure at Troy is a translation that manages to capture the essence of the original while presenting it in a fresh and engaging way for contemporary audiences.

Heaney's version of the story truly zooms in on the moral dilemma that Neoptolemus faces. It delves deep into the complex emotions and difficult choices that this character has to make.

This focus on the moral dilemma not only adds depth and complexity to the narrative but also makes for a great drama. The audience is drawn into Neoptolemus' struggle, sympathizing with his predicament and wondering what they would do in his shoes.

Heaney's masterful retelling brings this ancient tale to life in a new and exciting way, making it accessible to modern audiences. Through his vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue, we are able to experience the drama and intensity of Neoptolemus' moral dilemma as if it were happening right before our eyes.

Overall, Heaney's version is a remarkable achievement that showcases his talent as a writer and his ability to breathe new life into an old story. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology or great drama.

A very cool play indeed! It delves deep into the nature of human suffering and isolation. The story unfolds, revealing the raw emotions and struggles that individuals face in a world that often seems cold and unforgiving. We see characters grappling with their inner demons, trying to find meaning and connection in a sea of chaos. The play explores how suffering can either break a person or make them stronger, and how isolation can lead to both self-discovery and despair. It makes us question our own lives and the choices we make, and forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about ourselves. Through powerful dialogue and engaging performances, the play takes us on a journey that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to explore the darker side of the human experience and come away with a new understanding of what it means to be alive.

A truly wonderful and engaging version of Sophocles' play has been presented. It is extremely accessible, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the story. The chorus parts, in particular, are a highlight. They are beautifully brought to life in Heaney's poetry, adding a layer of depth and beauty to the overall work. The moments of deep humanity that are展现 in Philoctetes and Neoptolemus are still incredibly powerful and moving. They tug at the heartstrings and make us reflect on the nature of human nature and the choices we make. Overall, this is a remarkable adaptation that does justice to the original play and offers a fresh and unique perspective on it.

Some really wonderful and charming turns of phrase can be found towards the end of this work.

I have always been a passionate fan of Sophocles, his works being a source of great inspiration and intellectual stimulation for me.

However, it is quite possible that I might not have come across this particular piece if it hadn't been retold by the talented Seamus Heaney.

Heaney's unique style and his ability to bring the ancient story to life in a modern context make this retelling truly captivating.

His use of language, the vivid descriptions, and the nuanced characterizations all add to the allure of the story.

Thanks to Heaney, I have been able to discover a new facet of Sophocles' genius and have been thoroughly entertained and enlightened by this retelling.

It just goes to show the power of great literature and the importance of having talented interpreters to bring these classic works to a wider audience.

When reading Seamus Heaney, one is truly struck by the sheer magic of his language. It has a sensual embrace that touches one's spirit deeply. This is no different in his poem about pain and trauma, redemption and salvation (cure).

Heaney vividly speaks of the role of the chorus in the play and cleverly likens it to the role of poetry in our lives. He says, "I hate it, I always hated it, and I am A part of it myself. And a part of you, For my part is the chorus, and the chorus Is more or less a borderline between The you and the me and the it of it Between The god's and human beings' sense of things."

Moreover, this is a profound poem about letting go of our wounds, looking forward, and not only seeking the cure to the anger and hate that festers within us like an open sore but also believing that such a cure exists. It is a story about honor and loyalty, about bending one's will for individual fulfillment to that of the group's.

In the end, Heaney, in his non-rhyming style, tells us all we need to know. The message, the answer, is founded upon justice having risen. He writes, "History says, Don't hope On this side of the grave. But then, once in a lifetime The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up, And hope and history rhyme."

Finally, he asks, "What’s left to say? Suspect too much sweet talk But never close your mind. It was a fortunate wind That blew me here. I leave Half ready to believe That a crippled trust might walk And the half-true rhyme is love."